China's Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) today expressed interest in supporting the relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, aiming to use the country as an export hub.

Chen Huaiyu, chairman of the Chinese Exim Bank, made the statement during a meeting with Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in China's coastal town of Boao.

While the Exim Bank has been a key financier of Beijing-backed infrastructure and energy projects in Bangladesh, this marks its first interest in facilitating Chinese private sector investment in the country.

Yunus highlighted Bangladesh's strategic location and skilled workforce, positioning it as a potential manufacturing hub for global companies.

He said his government is offering incentives and a trade corridor to attract top Chinese manufacturers to relocate their factories to Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh can complement China in manufacturing," Yunus said, adding that the interim government is fast-tracking the construction of a Chinese Special Economic Zone in the Chattogram region.

He further noted that Bangladesh is developing large new ports to serve its economy and facilitate trade for landlocked Nepal, Bhutan, and India's northeastern states.

Chen said Bangladesh's geographical position makes it an ideal location to serve Southeast and East Asia, the Middle East, and Western Asia.

As more Chinese companies expand globally, he assured that the Exim Bank would support their investment in Bangladesh's manufacturing sector.

The bank also plans to fund infrastructure projects essential for Bangladesh's socio-economic growth.

Drawing a comparison with Vietnam's economic transformation, Chen advised Bangladesh to improve its business environment to attract foreign investors.

"We will learn from Vietnam," Yunus said.

During the meeting, Bangladeshi officials urged the Exim Bank to expedite disbursements for ongoing projects and consider new infrastructure funding, including the Dasherkandi Sewage Plant. Dhaka also requested a reduction in the bank's commitment fees, which increase project costs.

Chen said the bank would review these proposals and encouraged Bangladesh to consider more concessional loans in Chinese yuan (RMB).

Senior officials from both sides are expected to reconvene soon to finalise decisions made in the meeting.

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, energy and transport adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Chief Adviser's High Representative Dr Khalilur Rahman, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury were also present.